Mighty Al Karameh struggle to get past an indfferent Bagan side!

Mohun Bagan had decided to give more importance to the I League and keep aside their AFC Cup aspirations keeping in mind that they are on pursuit of the Indian league and also considering the fact that they have been placed in a group of high profile Middle East teams.
However, after the first away match against the Syrian club Al Karameh, which boasts of making it to the finals of the AFC Champions Legue two years ago, Bagan coach will have to re-consider his decision of sacrificing the clubs AFC Cup hopes for the I League.
An indifferent and make shift Bagan team, with Barreto, Dipak and Habibur out, could have easily come home with three points from Syria inspite of the fact that Al Karameh had 9 Syrian National team players in their side and a support of a huge amount of home supporters egging them on.
With Rahul Kumar and Mohunraj as the two side backs, Odafe and Manju as RCB and LCB, the defense was below ordinary, missing the likes of Dipak and Habibur. A Bagan side without Barreto is never complete and today's team was no exception. Lalram Luaha, last played on September 12, 2008 in the last the CFL match, was replaced in place of Barreto. Yet, Mohun Bagan gave their best and went down by a solitary goal in the 59th minute of the match and now when Bagan will be hosting the Syrian side in Kolkata for the second leg, they do have a match in their hands.
It was however an even contest with Bagan getting chances to score in the first half on a number of occasions. Both Mama and Masih came close to scoring, but couldnot find the back of the net! However, the best chance came in the 43rd minute, when Bagan earned a penalty. Fortune was against the Kolkata side, as the reliable Marcos Perriera hit the Al Karameh gaolie.
The Bagan team showed a lot of positive intent today and seemed much more relaxed and composed. Sangram stood tall under the Bagan bar making some great saves. The second Leg promises to be an interesting clash with Al Karameh having a solitary home goal to defend.
We can only hope that in Bagan's Home match, Mohun Bagan get out there with the best they have and nail the Syrian side just as the Indian National team did to Syria in the Nehru Cup Final!
Team: Sangram, Mohanraj, Manju, Peter Odafe, Rahul Kumar, Ishfaq, Marcos Pereira, Rakesh Masih, Tulunga, Lalramluaha, and Bhaichung (captain).